USPTA SoCal - 2nd Quarter 2024 Newsletter

2nd Quarter 2024

LINECALLS

2nd Qtr 2024

GooddaySouthernCalifornia

Professionals–Awarmwelcometo youaswespringintothenextseason. Ihopeallthatraindidn’tsetyou backonyourgoals.Itwasachallenge forme,that’sforsure.

Asweheadtowardsoursummer months,don’tforgetthatyouhave anamazingresourceatour USPTA.comwebsite.Clickonthe USPTA-Ulink,thentheTennis

President'sMessage

Resourceslinkfortremendouscontent.

Whetheryouarelookingforclinic contenttoaddtoyourrepertoire,or you’dliketoraiseyoureducationallevel withaspecialtycourseortwo.It’sall thereasamemberingoodstanding.

Iknowmany(likeme)feelourwebsite couldbebetterthough.OurnewCEO BrianDillmamfeelsverymuchthesame asIdo.Itneedstobeupdatedfromthe groundup.Thisisoneofhismanyideas toboostourmembervalue.

Infact,ourassociationfeelsthisway aboutmanyareasofourexisting positioninthemarketplace,andtennis court.Thereisanewsenseofpassionat thetopofourorganizationtoimprove. WhenBrianvisitsduringourupcoming DivisionConference,hewillbringthe messagefromNational,andbeableto visitwithwhoeverattends.Knowing thatmanymighthavequestions,I nabbedhimasapafterhebeganhis workasourchiefexecutive.

DidsomeonesayDivisionConference?

Yes!ThisMay18&19isourtimeto shine.Wewillbepresentingour

2024conferenceatThePeninsula RacquetClubinRanchoPalosVerdes. WithCatalinaIslandasourbeautiful backdrop,wewillbringtogether SouthernCaliforniaUSPTA Professionalsandhopefullycoachesin theprocessofbecomingcertifiedwith ourassociation.Wewillhavegreat oncourtpresentations,foodandfun withoursocialSaturdayevening.Please comebeapartoftheweekend.Iwill bringthenewsfromSoCal,andBrian willsharewhattheNationalteamis workingonforourfuture.

ispassionateforustobethestand-outas professionalcoaches.Ipickeduponthat immediatelyandfeelhimtobeasavoy leader.

OurorganizationhaschallengesandIthink wehavetheleadershipatthetopforusatthe courtleveltofeelthebenefit.I’veneverbeen prouderofwhomIchosetocertifywith.The futureisbrightforourorganization.Your divisionalsoneedsyou.Iftennishasgiven youallyouhaveinlifeasithasme,andwhen thetimeisright,Iinviteyoutovolunteeras partofourdivisionleadership.Everyoneon theboardisproudtogivebackinorderto leaveitbetterthanwhenwebeganour servicetoourSoCalProfessionals.

SoCal Division Newsletter

Table of Contents

REGIONAL VP SIMON PAEK

Coach Developer’s Corner, by Simon Paek, USPTA

REG VP

I’m happy to report that we are doing well with both Pickleball and Tennis Certification Workshops.

In January, Jay Wilson, Edwin Portillo, Steven Dunmore, Jim Somerville, Stanford Poon, Patience Santos and our very own District President Gabriel Jacob went through their Pickleball Certification Workshop.

(continued)

REGIONAL VP SIMON PAEK

REGIONAL VP SIMON PAEK

In February, Susana Zak, Sammie Ziao, David Wang, Keaton Dolan and Robert Spearman underwent their 3-day Level 2 Worshop in Cerritos California. Thank you Carlos CruzAedo, our incredibly hard working Division Executive Director for stopping by to support our candidates!

On March 23, Josh Jorgenen, Lestter Yeh and Kenny Puvogel went through their Pickleball Certification Workshop originally to be held in Cerritos, but was moved at the last minute to Peninsula Racquet Club in Rancho Palos Verdes to beat the rains. Scott Burton, our SoCal Division President made a special trip down from Santa Barbara in support of our candidates.

REGIONAL VP SIMON PAEK

We are so lucky in our division to have such a caring group of leaders who work so hard to support our members – big shout out to them!

Our next Pickleball Certification is scheduled for May 18 at our Division Conference at Peninsula Racquet Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. Please be sure to sign up.

Our next Tennis Level 2 Certification Workshop is in Cerritos June 1-3, 2024.

Please call or email Peyton Keith at peyton.keith@uspta.org for more information or to sign up for any certification workshops.

EVAN PARRY

*RESOURCES FOR YOU*

Hello esteemed professionals!

As your 1st Vice President, I wanted to share some updates from my area and throughout SoCal.

Also, thank you to all teaching professionals who nominated a fellow pro for one of our annual division awards

EVAN PARRY

*RESOURCES FOR YOU*

this year! It was a pleasure to serve as the chair for the awards committee. It was also nice to see so many teaching professionals at Indian Wells- always a treat to catch up with colleagues and friends in the industry!

As you may know, our SoCal Division conference will be on May 18th and 19th at Peninsula Racquet Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

1ST VP

(continued)

EVAN PARRY

*RESOURCES FOR YOU*

I will be one of the many presenters speaking this year, so I hope we have a great turnout, exchange ideas, and make some solid memories! My topic is geared towards teaching pros who work with groups, whether it's during a group clinic, adult or junior league practice, or as a high school or college coach.

My hope is that you come away with a structured and fun lesson plan that hopefully enhances your

(continued)

EVAN PARRY

VP

*RESOURCES FOR YOU*

coaching repertoire.

Lastly, I’d like to give a shout out to our district 5 president, Gabriel Jacob, who has been doing an excellent job with creating multiple educational events in his area. I presented at one of them at my club, and it was a great time of collaboration and education.

I hope to see you all at our Division Conference in May!

1ST VP

CHAD KAWAHARA

Welcome Everyone to the USPTA newsletter. Southern California has been booming with tennis activity this year, with Jr and Adult Tournaments, College Tennis, Tennis on Campus, League Tennis, Jr Team Tennis and the BNP Paribas in Indian Wells. All of this in the first quarter of the year.

Our neighbors south of us in San Diego, California hosted

a Jr National Even at the Barnes Tennis Center with the Jr Easter Bowl

CHAD KAWAHARA

tournament to follow in Indian Wells. So Cal had a couple of local contenders in these draws. Iva Jovic of Torrance, the 2024 Australian Girl’s Champion and Rudy Quan of Thousand Oaks the 2024 J300 Jr Indian Wells ITF Tournament.

Other exciting news, USC hosted the 3rd Annual Southern California Amateur Open Pickleball Tournament on April 6 & 7. This event was open to all skill levels. The levels were 2.5-5.0.

CHAD KAWAHARA

Pro Spotlight

I am happy to recognize So Cal born and raised tennis pro Courtney Hance.

Courtney grew up in the South Bay. She was a top ranked jr and standout at UCI. Hance is married to Ken Hance and together they have 4 children.

Courtney runs the South Bay Tennis and Pickleball Center in Torrance CA. There she has many ranges of clinics, private lessons and camps. She also has trainer her own kid there. Kenadi, Connor, Kimmie and Keaton. Kenadi played for the University of Washington, Connor played at UCLA , Kimmie is currently playing at UCLA and Keaton is play on the Jr ITF circuit.

Courtney has instilled the sport of a lifetime with her kids and many others in the South Bay Community. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to the sport.

MIKE GENNETTE

that he likes to say that watching a single college match is equivalent to a month of training. The vibrant energy, distinct to college matches, fuels inspiration and motivation. Whether it’s NCAA Division 1, 2, 3, NAIA, or Junior college matches, the benefits are substantial.

Doubles, often the fastest and most exciting part of the event, adds an extra layer of thrill. As we know, doubles play demands strategy, teamwork, and splitsecond decision-making. It’s an aspect that can significantly contribute to a player’s overall skill development and passion that keeps them interested in being a lifelong tennis player.

MIKE GENNETTE

This season, consider catching matches from powerhouse Division 1 teams like UCSB, UCLA, USC, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, CS Long Beach, LMU, SDSU, UCI, UCR, SDSU, USD, UCSD, Pepperdine, or CSUN.

Division 2 offers exciting games with teams like Azusa Pacific, Cal State LA, Point

Loma, Concordia Irvine or Biola, while NAIA teams like Hope International showcase exceptional talent too. Don’t overlook the dynamism of Junior college teams from; Riverside CC, Ventura

PRESIDENT MIKE GENNETTE

Santa Barbara CC, Irvine Valley CC, Glendale CC, and Fullerton CC among many others.

Division 3 is a non-scholarship division but with some still amazingly talented players from all of the U.S. and the world.

My own teams at Cal Lutheran not only have top local talent as well as players from all over the U.S. but also has players from Australia, China, France and Germany which gives the other players a diverse experience and connections and friends all over the world. Other great local division 3 programs include Caltech, Whittier, Claremont, Pomona Pitzer, Redlands, Chapman and Occidental.

PRESIDENT MIKE GENNETTE

For high school coaches, organizing a team trip to a college match could be transformative. It not only provides a unique bonding experience but also allows players to meet the college teams, nurturing dreams of playing at that level someday.

These college matches serve as a platform for young talents to envision their tennis journey. With the varying competitive landscape across all divisions, the experience becomes crucial in honing their skills for potential college opportunities.

Coaches at local clubs, I urge you to consider arranging trips

GENNETTE

for junior program members to witness the magic of college tennis. It’s an investment in their tennis education, offering a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead.

If anyone wants to bring a group from a club or a high school team to a Cal Lu match, then just contact me at: gennette@callutheran.edu and we can help to make it a special occasion by staying after to answer college tennis questions from your group. I’m sure any college team on this list would do the same.

In conclusion, let’s seize the opportunity to expose our young players to the high-energy, dynamic world of college tennis. It’s not just a match; it’s a transformative experience that can shape their tennis aspirations.

RAJEEV DATT

DRILLS WITH A PURPOSE

Each of the following drills should take about 5 minutes. In an hour class we do 40 minutes of drills (about 8 different ones) and 20 minutes of games.

In a 1.5 hour class we do about an hour of drills and 30 minutes of games.

In a 1.5 hour class we do about 10 separate drills. Set targets according to the level of the players. Remember to

RAJEEV DATT

challenge them & allow for success. That’s how you, as the coach, will build confidence and a sense of self efficacy in your players.

Two Lines, Two Shots: forehand and backhand and then switch lines. Warm up & hit for depth.

Hit 3 Pick Up 3: 3 forehands, starting in the add ally, moving to the middle, then deuce ally.

Target always stays the same. Pick up three balls. Back in line. 3 rounds,

TREASURER RAJEEV DATT

or until players hit the target zone a given number of times.

Repeat for backhands.

Volleys Coming In: Coach feeds high, short lob, just short of the service line; players run up, hit a volley deep down the line; in the alley = bonus point. Out and around to the other line for a backhand. Set a goal, once reached, move on to short angled volleys.

Ships in the night:players are one in front of and one behind the baseline.

(continued)

TREASURER RAJEEV DATT

Feed back and forth, forehands and backhands. 14-16 down the line. Advanced make it down the line; set up target zones

Goals: How many down the line shots can they hit in 30 seconds Power and depth: how many shots can they hit that only bounce one time before hitting the back fence.

Dropshots: players start at the baseline; coach tosses balls from the net. Players run up, hit a drop shot and then move out and around to the other line.

Multiply the number of people in the class by about 6 shots.

RAJEEV DATT

Toss Catch: 2 players at a time. Coach tosses balls to the open spaces, while 2 players act as a doubles team and hit back into coach’s hand easily so coach can catch the ball.. Lobs, angles, dropshots. Ball always has to bounce before players hit it. 10-12 points.

Dropshot lobs: same as dropshots, but they hit a lob back.

Production line

Overheads: players stand 3 across , touching the net & hit overheads. Each time they hit, they run forward on a diagonal, touch the net until they’ve moved & hit 3 overheads, then get back in line. Set a target number, halfway through have players move in the opposite direction. (continued)

TREASURER RAJEEV DATT

The Pump: 2 ball drill.

Players

start at the service line. you lob, they run back & return the ball with a lob, back to the feeder’s side. Players then run back up for a put away volley. 1 point for each player if he/she makes both shots. We don’t use this drill much, but it’s a good one to have in your repertoire.

Advanced Wiper Volleys: 2 people

at the net act as a doubles team. Feed as rapidly as possible and try to pass them. Lob if a player gets too close to the net, and always feed up the middle after a lob. One point for making it, minus one for a miss. Go for 45 seconds. This is always the last drill that we do before games.

(continued)

RAJEEV DATT

Alternate drills:

1. Ships in the night with volleys. This teaches students to learn to wait for the ball. Volley must be past the service line.

2. Overhead, volley, volley. Start with a lob to two players on the service line. Then grab 4 balls and quickly do two volleys each. I give a point if one player gets all three in. Then repeat pattern

3. Approach shot, volley, volley, overhead

Games:

1. Doubles points all players start on the baseline. One point they rotate. 3 points for clean winner volleys.

(continued)

RAJEEV DATT

2. 4 balls: first ball to the baseline person, who upon hitting that shot can go wherever on the court they wish. Second ball to the net person for a volley. Third ball fed goes to the deuce court wherever that player is. Last ball is an overhead to the add court player. Then rotate. Play to 15. win by 2.

1 ball: hit a ball to the deuce side. Play out point. Rotate. 3 points for a winner volley. Play to 10. the side not receiving the feed gets to stay if the first ball doesn’t go in.

SECRETARY

First Quarter Highlights

Black History Month

Spotlight 2024

Cameron Hines

As a USPTA pro, Cameron Hines has a deep passion for tennis and a strong desire to share that passion with others. Coaching for sixteen years and serving as a role model for young tennis players in Southern California shows his dedication to the sport and his commitment to helping others learn and grow through tennis.

SECRETARY

JONES

He began playing when he was seven and immediately fell in love with tennis. He learned quickly, trained hard, and within ten years, Cameron was already coaching others on how to play the game he loves. In an article from USTA SoCal, Cameron said, “Tennis has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always thought if I can bring the happiness that tennis has given me to others, then I can make a difference in someone’s life, and I only have tennis to thank for that.”

SECRETARY

In February, Cameron joined the rest of the tennis community in celebrating Black History Month. Reflecting on Black History Month in the same article, Cameron says, “I will say just watching other black people play tennis (the Williams sisters and James Blake) made me interested in playing in the first place and now it has become my whole life. That wouldn’t have happened without representation and that’s why it is very important to me for everyone to learn about their culture’s history and see themselves represented in places they may have never expected to see themselves.”

Cameron will continue sharing his passion and love for the game for years to come!

SECRETARY

MATT JONES

Women’s History Month Spotlight 2024

Veronica Badon

Veronica is the founder and head coach at Badon Tennis. Veronica has been teaching tennis for over 23 years. She is a USPTA Certifier pro and USTA Team Tennis Coach.

Badon was #1 in the USTA women’s Open Division in Southern California and as a collegiate athlete, she achieved a #1 ranking in the Western region and a #7 National Ranking. As a two-time All-American Champion, she was acknowledged by the Los Angeles City Council for her Excellence in Tennis

SECRETARY

Veronica is dedicated to making a positive impact on her community by helping students obtain scholarships to local high schools and colleges. Her efforts to empower her students are helping to build a brighter future for these young individuals and the community as a whole. It's inspiring to see coaches and mentors like Veronica who are dedicated to making a difference and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Veronica’s commitment to supporting students her

SECRETARY

students both athletically and academically demonstrates her passion for education, athletics, and community involvement.

Veronica's work is commendable and serves as an inspiration for others to make a positive difference in their communities both on the court and off.

May Veronica and coaches like her continue to grow the game and inspire the next generation of tennis superstars!

KARL AKKERMAN

District 1 News

If you have not attended the Ojai Tournament and live in Ventura County, you have missed some legendary players playing right here in Ventura County. The Tournament runs from April 23-28. Pros going back to Jack Kramer and Billy Jean King to recent NCAA Champions play right here. There are far too many others to list here.

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

There are far too many others to list here but you would know several. The setting is so intimate they give out Orange Juice and a Proper Tea with cookies every day. There is also a BBQ on Thursday evening after play about 5pm.

The Ojai is celebrating its 122nd anniversary this year. The tournament is so large it takes over virtually every tennis court in the western part of Ventura County for five days. It is recognized as the largest and oldest invitational in American. It includes top juniors, CIF High School, Junior Colleges, Division 3 and the Division 1 Pac 12 Championship.

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

There is also an Open Division where they award $2,500 in cash prizes. The next NCAA Champion will most likely be there for you to watch. Line up your kids and invite the parents to bring them up to watch. You will get lots of hero points and motivate the kids both the beginners to advanced players to set you up for lessons for years to come.

Two Olympic gold medalists from Ventura County are going to be honored at a legendary Ojai tennis tournament this spring. The Bryan Brothers who grew up in Camarillo will be the tournament's special honorees. Bob and Mike Bryan

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

are considered to be the greatest doubles team of all time, winning 16 Grand Slam doubles titles together they also won Olympic Gold Medals in 2012 and lead America team win the Davis Cup Championship. They’ll be honored at a special April 26th gala event from 6pm till 10pm which is a fundraiser for youth tennis programs, as well as for the tournament. You will get to talk with them and mingle with many other big folks in the business. Then you will have an amazing dinner. I know a few of you pros out there grew up with them at the Cabrillo Tennis Club in the day.

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

District Events this Year. Kid's Day is the big push this year at all our District Events. When you invite your junior students to attend a free Kid's Day where they can participate and then watch the top level juniors of all ages, they will be motivated to be that good one day. These Kid's Day activities will be rewarded back to you with many more lessons for years that motivate kids like no other way you can when they see their peers competing and playing amazing. You will receive educational credits if you either help feed balls or walk around and give tips to the kids. Also right after the

KARL AKKERMAN

Kid's Day you and the kids will be able to watch some top level juniors compete for free. This will be an amazing time to bond even deeper with your kids and parents. Sign up online to reserve your spot and we can then order you a lunch.

Here are the Dates: June 2nd at Ventura College a Kid's Day event at the annual junior tournament. Again, It will motivate them in magical ways to want to be like these high level juniors of all ages. Our District 1 covers from Westlake north to Santa Maria. So I will host another Kid's Day event up north in Santa Maria on 9/7

- 9/9. It will take place at the

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

1!

Santa Maria Tennis Club which again is a high level tennis tournament. I will host another Kid's Day in Santa Barbara well as 11/2 or 11/3. So I have covered the entire area. Try to take one in and give your kids something to aspire to be and take more lessons or junior programs from you. Rearrange your lessons schedule and it will pay back in many more future lessons. I know it will.

If you have an event at your club, USPTA would be happy to help recruit or publicize it on our social media. Just let me know and I will do what I can to help you.

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

USPTA

Professional Highlight - Meet Otis Smith.

A native of Los Angeles, Otis grew up playing junior tennis before heading to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he played number 1 in singles and doubles before embarking on a professional career. As a junior, Otis was coached by some of the best coaches in the world including Robert Lansdorp, Nick Bolleteirri, and Glenn Bassett. He has modeled for legendary coach Vic Braden in his book, Teaching Children Tennis. A veteran of 10 years on the pro tour, Otis has played at Wimbledon, US Open and ATP

KARL AKKERMAN

"EMBRACE THE NEW"

World Tour Masters events. Otis reached a singles ranking of 274 (singles) and 216 (doubles) on the ATP Tour. He has played against the world’s best including Pete Sampras and Jim Courier. With the help of Arthur Ashe, Otis helped break the color barrier at the prestigious Los Angeles Tennis Club (LATC). He was recently inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame.

Otis is the former Tennis Director at the Santa Barbara Ritz Carlton Resort and Spa and is now the current Tennis Director at the prestigious Santa Barbara Tennis Club in Santa Barbara, California. We are proud to recognize such a role model in the USPTA.

DISTRICT 2:

President: Kevin Finkelberg

661-367-0511

finkelbergtennis@gmail .com

ello Coaches, hank you to those who tended our first istrict event in January nd shared ideas and rills. Our next District event will be Sunday, June 9th, at 1:00 p.m. at CSUN Wheelchair Tennis 101.

DISTRICT 2!

KEVIN FINKELBERG

""SUPPORTING COACHES"

DISTRICT 2

PRESIDENT: Kevin Finkelberg 661-367-0511

finkelbergtennis@gmail

PTA pros to learn about heelchair Tennis on and off e court. The workshop will lp pros feel comfortable rking with wheelchair nnis players and open to eating wheelchair tennis nics in the future. Come th questions and thusiasm, as we will have orts chairs for everyone to use.

District 2 Pro Spotlight:

I wanted to spotlight the CSUN Women's Tennis Coach, Gary Victor. The longtime USPTA pro has been the head (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

DISTRICT 2

President: Kevin Finkelberg

661-367-0511

finkelbergtennis@gmail .com

""SUPPORTING COACHES"

ach for the women’s CSUN am since 1997. Gary will be sting a USTA Playday on ptember 7th. He and the men's team will open their urts to the community to vite all levels of juniors to me out and play and have a n time! If you have any kids u want to bring, please keep is date on your calendar. Go check out a match at CSUN.

Here is the link to their remaining schedule! https://gomatadors.com/sport s/womenstennis/schedule/2023-24

CHRISTINA SANDERS

CHRISTINA SANDERS

We need to use this to our advantage! Since promoting my own events on social media using tools given through the different platforms, I’ve seen outstanding growth in both involvement and attendance. I encourage all tennis pros to promote their clinics, special events, and anything new they’re working on via social media. Have new tennis technology that you would like players all over SoCal using? Hosting an event in Malibu and would love more people from Pasadena or

CHRISTINA SANDERS

the South Bay to be part of it?

Make a post exciting and engaging by tagging members or other pros who can help get the word out. We have so many great things happening in the tennis world of Southern California!

My Instagram is below. Please feel free to follow and tag me in your posts so that I, as your district President, can help promote!

3 PRESIDENT (702) 334-8810

Best, Christina Sanders

Christinasanderstennispro@gmail.com

Instagram: @Christinatennispro

WWW.TENNISWAREHOUSE/USPTA

PLEASE SHARE THAT SOCAL NEEDS MORE SPANISH AND OTHER SPEAKING PROS. SAMPLE:

AISLING BOWER

DISTRICT 4!

"SOCIAL EVENTS"

Hi all, Hope everyone is thriving and well! Tough going sometimes during this rainy season, but we are nearly at the end of it.

Super Excited to host the Annual SoCal USPTA conference, May 18th and 19th, at Peninsula Racquet Club. Have you registered?!?! It will be a weekend not to be missed, right down to the goodie bags!

Our district should try to make it as it will be so close!

Pickleball certification on the 18th, right before the conference starts, 9am-noon.

I would light to spotlight a few

AISLING BOWER

DISTRICT 4!

"SOCIAL EVENTS"

coaches. Firstly, a check in with James Skuratofsky. James is current “Pro of the Year” for our district. James has added Pickleball to his repertoire. He has been coaching tennis in Costa Mesa and one the weekends coaching Pickleball and tennis in Torrance. He has been funding his ski trips! James is a great example of making lemonade and is willing to go to lengths to get his lessons and commitments completed. Way to go, James! Good luck in your Pickleball tournaments! Pros, vote for "Pro of the year " for our district!

Another pro to spotlight is Andrew Sarawasi! Andrew

AISLING BOWER

DISTRICT 4!

"SOCIAL EVENTS"

currently coaches at PRC. He has used this year to fine tune his U10 skills on court, dedicated to the Orange Ball! He is committed to to all new players coming into the game. Andrew’s programming is all about keeping both kids and adults loving the game of tennis. Andrew recently returned to USPTA last year and we are so excited to have him as part of our coaching community.

See you May 18th and 19th at Peninsula Racquet Club!

DISTRICT 5!

GABRIEL JACOB, MSPE

“MORE EDUCATION”

Hello colleagues,

The year has gotten to a fast start, we are already in April and it feels like the New Year just began yesterday.

District 5 held it’s first event of the year at the Andulka Tennis Center in Riverside on February 12th, Evan Parry presented Drills for groups, High School Coaches, and College Teams.

Evan had a few of his College team players from Riverside community

DISTRICT 5!

GABRIEL JACOB, MSPE

"GIVING BACK"

College helping with the drills, Thank you Evan For a wonderful and informative day on the tennis court!

If you missed the last presentation no worries because you will have an opportunity to attend our next event soon and currently planned to be at The Claremont Cub in Claremont where Jami Johnson Tennis Pro and Educator, will be doing a short Red ball presentation of how to set up a red ball court and engage 5 and 7 year olds in the Red ball phase. Darren Richer HP Coach, Zonal Coach, & EDC Coach will be doing the

DISTRICT 5!

GABRIEL JACOB, MSPE

"GIVING BACK"

presentation on Orange to Green. He will present what optimally should be introduced in the Orange ball phase of development. The presentation will start at 11:30am and end at 1:00pm with lunch to follow. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in attendance. (Look on uspta.com for the latest details and to register.)

If you have any articles you would like in this newsletter are if you would like to do a presentation yourself at one of our events please fell free to contact me. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

TIM LUDEKE

DISTRICT 6!

"TIPS"

Hello District 6

Pros,

I have a tip that might help your players who are struggling with their tosses.

I call it a “catchable” toss. After releasing the toss the player leaves his/her arm up in

TIM LUDEKE DISTRICT 6!

the “trophy position.”. If she is able to catch the toss without moving her arm/hand that means the toss was in the right place.

If after catching the toss the player turns his/her palm down and drops the ball it should land just a little bit inside the baseline. This helps players keep their heads up and their shoulders tilted so they can cartwheel and reach up to make contact with the serve instead of rotating and pulling down and pushing the serve. This also

TIM LUDEKE

gives the player a toss target which helps create a consistent toss.

District 6 will have another educational event in January or February. Please check your email for updates regarding the date of the event. The theme of these events is “teaching strokes that are typically difficult to teach.”

TIM LUDEKE

Previous events have focused on the topspin serve, slice backhands, and one-hand backhand volleys. These are typically difficult shots for players to learn.

These events are primarily for pros who work with adult players who want to move up to a higher level or junior players who want to be on their high school varsity teams, but any pro is welcome to attend.

REMINDER

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carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org

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